Sts. Boris and Gleb Church, Orthodox temple in Rostov, Russia
Sts. Boris and Gleb Church is an Orthodox place of worship in Rostov built from limestone with a sturdy four-column supporting structure. It features three curved recesses on its eastern side and retains fragments of religious paintings from the 13th century on its interior walls.
Prince Konstantin of Rostov ordered the construction of this religious center in 1214 to serve medieval Russian worship and spiritual life. Over centuries, it survived major historical upheavals while remaining one of the oldest churches of its kind in the region.
The church honors Saints Boris and Gleb, two early Russian martyrs whose veneration runs deep in Slavic tradition. You can still see evidence of this devotion today in the surviving frescoes and the way the building is arranged.
The building is open to visitors during regular worship hours, and you can explore the interior and observe religious ceremonies as they happen. It is often quieter outside of peak service times if you prefer a calmer visit.
The building is a rare survivor of early Russian religious architecture from the 13th century that managed to endure despite major upheavals in the region. Its wall paintings are especially valuable since very few examples of this art form and period still exist.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.